Tag Archives: Bible

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1997 movie “Cop Land”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Jesus entered the temple courts and drove out all who were buying and selling there. He overturned the tables of the money changers and the benches of those selling doves. ¹³ “It is written,” he said to them, “‘My house will be called a house of prayer,’^[e] but you are making it ‘a den of robbers, Matthew 21:12-13.

Biblical Connection:

Sylvester Stallone plays the Sheriff of a suburban New Jersey town named Garrison. However, the locals refer to this community as Cop Land, a place where New York City police officers reside. Today’s scene has an Internal Affairs investigator played by Robert De Niro who discovers the town is a front for mob connections. De Niro asks Stallone, Freddy Heflin, to use his power as Sheriff to look into these allegations.

Jesus didn’t need anyone from Internal Affairs to see what was going on in the Jewish temple. One day after being exalted on Palm Sunday upon his entry into Jerusalem, Jesus speaks out about the secularization of God’s holy temple. Whenever political or spiritual corruption is exposed, the people in power deflect responsibility. Just as the Department of Government Efficiency has uncovered financial abuse and fraud, the people behind this are trying to cover their tracks.

Closing Song:

Confronting the corruption of Jewish leaders on the Monday of Passion Week triggered a chain of events that resulted in His crucifixion. While the findings of the Department of Government Efficiency are still playing itself out, the biblical response to any exposure of sin is to lay this at the altar in prayer. May a spirit of conviction lead readers to lay their burdens at the feet of Christ.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2000 film “The Patriot”

Bible Verse of the Day:

And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, ⁷ maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation,” Exodus 34:6-7.

Biblical Connection:

Mel Gibson plays Benjamin Martin, an infamous French and Indian war hero who is haunted by a great sin from his past. When the Revolutionary War commences, Benjamin refuses to join this cause following the death of his wife. However, when one of Benjamin’s sons is murdered by a British officer, he pursues a caravan of prisoners to rescue Gabriel, his oldest son. Driven to lead the Colonial Militia, Gabriel’s life is lost during a battle which sets the stage for today’s scene.

Watching the Patriot recently, I am reminded of the cost of freedom paid for by members of the Continental Army. Blood was shed daily as the bodies of dead soldiers were buried like today’s scene depicts. Just as King David’s life was accompanied by war, Benjamin Martin sinful acts during the French and Indian war caught up to him in the form of generational sins. Introduced by Moses in Exodus 20:4-5, these sinful patterns and tendencies is why a Savior was sent down to earth.

Closing Song:

If you ever find yourself flooded and overwhelmed by conviction, turn to Jesus, the spiritual anchor of our faith. While there are consequences to any sin, may you hold on to Jesus this Easter Season.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1939 film “The Wizard of Oz”

Bible Verse of the Day:

A second time they summoned the man who had been blind. “Give glory to God by telling the truth,” they said. “We know this man is a sinner.” ²⁵ He replied, “Whether he is a sinner or not, I don’t know. One thing I do know. I was blind but now I see!” ²⁶ Then they asked him, “What did he do to you? How did he open your eyes?” ²⁷ He answered, “I have told you already and you did not listen. Why do you want to hear it again? Do you want to become his disciples too?” – John 9:24-27

Biblical Connection:

After a tornado lands Dorothy and her dog Toto in Munchkin Land, she follows a yellow brick road toward the city of Oz. During this long walk, Dorothy encounters a scarecrow, tinman and a lion. Each one of these characters contain a major flaw which is preventing them from being successful in life. When Dorothy invites the scarecrow to join her, each place their hope in a figure that they’ve heard about but have never seen.

When the blind man in today’s Bible passage is questioned by the Pharisees, he’s not sure what they are trying to accomplish. This man isn’t someone planted in a healing service who pretended to be blind. Rather, this man had a personal encounter with the giver of life and sight, Jesus. This man had been born blind and following the events of John 9:6-7, he was able to see clearly for the first time. This man didn’t need to see a Wizard in Oz. He only needed an encounter with Jesus.

Closing Song:

There was a book that I read for Tentmakers, a Youth Ministry Trade School, called the Master of All Trades. The author took the miracles in the Gospel of John and highlighted that Jesus has the power over all things including elements, sight and time. This is the character and nature described in the song My God Can. The next time you face a wall of doubt in your mind, put your faith and trust in the God of miracles.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1995 film “7 Days in Utopia”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. ¹² Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us, 1 Peter 2:11-12.

Biblical Connection:

The game of golf can be extremely cruel and unforgiving. Yet, how you respond to adversity often dictates your degree of success. This is the back story for 7 Days in Utopia following the embarrassing professional debut of Luke Chisholm played by Lucas Black. When Luke Chisholm breaks down in Utopia, he meets rancher Johnny Crawford played by Robert Duval who begins to mentor him. Utopia serves as a transition for Luke to rebuild his confidence and public image.

As a former mini-tour member and PGA Tour qualifying school participant, the game of golf can bring you to your knees. One bad break and lost ball derailed any chances of making the 36-hole cut. Yet, the Bible calls Christians to higher standards. Peter writes about sinful desires waging war against your soul, likely thinking about how fear caused him to publicly deny knowing Jesus three times. When temptation comes creeping at your door, look for the way out, 1 Corinthians 10:13.

Closing Song:

The golf of game can bring out the worst in human beings. Individuals who can resist the desire to break or throw a club display is a sign of self-control. Yet, there are more wars in life, often coming at your weakest moments. Therefore, guard yourself with prayer, setting up hedges of protection when a sport begins to stifle your soul.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Trailer from the 2014 film “Mercy Rule”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Then he called the crowd to him along with his disciples and said: “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me. ³⁵ For whoever wants to save their life^[b] will lose it, but whoever loses their life for me and for the gospel will save it. ³⁶ What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, yet forfeit their soul? ³⁷ Or what can anyone give in exchange for their soul?  – Mark 8:34-37

Biblical Connection:

The Mercy Rule in the context of baseball refers to ending a game early when one team is up by more than 10 runs after the 4th innings. During travel ball tournaments, where certain teams far outclass others, there is a 20-run rule after 3 completed innings. The movie Mercy Rule uses baseball and family trials to teach life’s lessons on mercy, patience, sacrifice, legacy and trusting God. While a player may shine in a game, all members win and lose as a team.

Jon Mark recounts a memorable conversation that Jesus had with his disciples. Rather than joining a baseball team, Jesus is asking 12 men to join a spiritual team. This concept is hard to grasp for many as it’s directly opposed to what society teaches. Jesus’ 3 expectations include denying yourself, taking up the cause of the great commission, Acts 1:8 and following Jesus as the Lord of your life. Unfortunately, many Christians put God on hold, unable to resist temporary treasures.

Closing Song:

When your team is getting crushed, the Mercy Rule exists to end the pain of defeat. However, sometimes Christians can learn more from losing than winning. If there is no I in team, each individual member of a losing team should humbly reflect upon what they could have done better. When Christian’s learn from past defeats, they’ll improve their chances to avoid making the same mistake in the future.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1995 film “Babe”

Bible Verse of the Day:

For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, ⁵ so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. ⁶ We have different gifts, according to the grace given to each of us. If your gift is prophesying, then prophesy in accordance with your^[a] faith; ⁷ if it is serving, then serve; if it is teaching, then teach; ⁸ if it is to encourage, then give encouragement; if it is giving, then give generously; if it is to lead,^[b] do it diligently; if it is to show mercy, do it cheerfully, Romans 12:4-8.

Biblical Connection:

 An orphaned piglet is spared from being Christmas dinner when a farmer wins a guess the weight contest at a local country fair. One year later, Babe’s fate is in danger again when the Hoggetts host family for the holidays. Babe finds a purpose for his existence when he alerts Mr. Hoggett of sheep rustlers in the fields. This sets the stage for today’s scene as Babe is given the opportunity to become a sheepdog. However, Babe attempts to use sheepdog tactics rather than be himself.

The apostle Paul writes to the Church at Rome concerning the various gifts that exist among the members. Apparently, some gifts were held in higher regards that other spiritual gifts. Subsequently, Christians found themselves like Babe in today’s scene, trying to get results without being true to themselves. Once the sheep realized that Babe wasn’t like the other sheepdogs, they actually listened and made him look good. As Paul urges in today’s verse, let your gifts shine.

Closing Song:

The lyrics of Stick to Your Guns reminds me of David in 1 Samuel 17, not comfortable with the armor and sword King Saul offered before fighting Goliath. Instead, David went back to what he was confident with, his sling shot and 5 stones. Rather than try to impress others or pretend to be someone else, stick to your guns in the area or areas where you are gifted.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2005 film “The Greatest Game Ever Played”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Let us hold unswervingly to the hope we profess, for he who promised is faithful. ²⁴ And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, ²⁵ not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching, Hebrews 10:23-25.

Biblical Connection:

The Greatest Game Ever Played is based upon a true story of 21-year-old Francis Ouimet winning the 1913 United States Golf Open as an amateur. However, Ouimet had to beat his boyhood idol Harry Vardon to accomplish this feat. Today’s scene takes place before the 18-hole playoff as members of the Country Club at Brookline, Massachusetts tried to replace Ouimet’s caddie. Since there was great chemistry between Eddie and Francis, he stayed with the teammate who got him into the playoff.

From the age of 7-18, most of my free time each summer was spent playing golf at Penn Oaks Country Club. Golf can be a magical game as some courses fit a player’s eye resulting in great results. The author of Hebrews writes about the importance of meeting together and spurring one another on in the faith. Yet, when you don’t have a positive influence in your life, keeping you out of trouble, your life can change in an instant. While powerful and wealthy people may try to change your mind, don’t forget the individuals who have made a difference in your life.

Closing Song:

Matthew 12:30 is one of the more powerful statements Jesus makes in the Bible. As you reflect upon your current life, you’re either gathering people closer to Jesus or your witness is inconsistent, creating confusion, thereby scattering souls further away from God. As you move on in life, walk in the light and avoid the darkness of sinful tendencies.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1998 film “A Bugs Life”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Who is going to harm you if you are eager to do good? ¹⁴ But even if you should suffer for what is right, you are blessed. “Do not fear their threats^[b]; do not be frightened,” 1 Peter 3:13-14.

Biblical Connection:

A Bug’s Life follows greedy grasshoppers who demand a share of food from a colony of ants. When this colony’s annual offering is inadvertently destroyed, the grasshoppers demand twice as much. Subsequently, Flik is sent out to find warrior bugs to help free the ants from this oppression. Today’s clip is from an informal meeting of grasshoppers. The leader of the Grasshoppers tries to explain what happens when a lone ant has the courage to stand up to outnumbered grasshoppers.

Today’s movie clip shadows King Pharoah during Israel’s 400 years of slavery. The harder Pharoah made it for the Israelites, the less time they had to come together to plot an exodus out of Egypt. As Peter writes to Christians in the first century, he warns them of persecution and trials they may face as followers of Christ. Yet, Peter asks an open ending question regarding consequences for standing up for what is right. Peter reminds his readers to embrace this as a blessing and to not be afraid.

Closing Song:

May today’s Bible verse and song give you the courage to stand up to the Cancel Culture eager to shut down people of faith. May you be empowered by the Holy Spirit, 2 Peter 1:3-4, to stand up for what is right and for those who are afraid to speak up.

by Jay Mankus

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1992 film “A League of Their Own”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Jesus went through all the towns and villages, teaching in their synagogues, proclaiming the good news of the kingdom and healing every disease and sickness. ³⁶ When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. ³⁷ Then he said to his disciples, “The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. ³⁸ Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field,” Matthew 9:35-38.

Biblical Connection:

Sisters Dottie and Kit are approached by a scout forming the first female professional baseball league. As Major League Baseball was shut down during World War II due to the draft, this temporary league was designed to serve as a substitute until the war ends. On their way back from the west coast, the scout watches Marla, who joins them on the train to Chicago. This sets the stage for open tryouts as more than 100 women compete for 64 open spots.

As a former baseball player and coach, I’ve been on both sides, fielding ground balls on a gym floor with coaches anxiously watching as well as holding a clipboard, jotting down notes about players who stand out. From a spiritual perspective, Christians should be eagerly searching daily to form a team of leaders. Whether in the context of a Bible Study, people to disciple or a new small group, God is waiting for servants in their local church to stand up and lead like modern day disciples.

Closing Song:

Madonna’s character is initially complacent, resting on her past accomplishments. However, when Dottie catches a ball with her bare hands, the thought of practicing to ensure she makes one of the four teams kicks in. This is the sense of urgency that Christians should daily seek until Jesus’ promise of a new life in Christ, John 10:10, becomes a reality. Don’t waste the opportunities that God provides in the form of open doors to share the love of Jesus with others.

by Jay Mankus